Leeds landmark makes history with Twitter show

TECH-SAVVY history fans can get to know some of the characters that lived in one of Leeds’ oldest stately homes thanks to a new show – taking place on Twitter.

The innovative new project will see users of the social network site take part and meet some of the people that have lived at Temple Newsam House over the centuries. The 20-minute ‘Temple Tales’ show on Monday, August 11, starts at 1pm and will follow the conversations of up to 15 historic characters associated with Temple Newsam.

The show will be re-run every day from 1pm until Friday, August 15.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills said: “In the digital age we now live in, it is important for museums to adopt new forms of media in order to engage audiences.

“In comparison to more traditional outlets of performance, Twitter allows the audience to become more ‘immersed’ with the story and its characters, with subscribers being able to ‘follow’, ‘favourite’ and ‘retweet’ the characters comments.

“We hope that this will shine a new light on the history of Temple Newsam and spark an interest to find out more.”

The project aims to shed light on what life was like at the Tudor Jacobean mansion and the social boundaries that existed at the time.

Characters will use a mix of traditional English and contemporary social media hashtags and slang, put together by Leeds Museums and Galleries and The Butterfly Psyche Theatre Company.

Temple Newsam House has over 40 restored rooms and is home to one of the most important collections of decorative art in Britain.

John Roles, head of Leeds Museums and Galleries, said: “A trip to Temple Newsam House is always a fantastic experience, and we are delighted to be bringing its magic to a new audience on Twitter.

“As part of the performance, people on Twitter will be able to listen into the conversations and meet some of the characters that have lived at Temple Newsam House in the past, which promises to be both a unique and fantastic experience.

“It would be fantastic if through this more people are inspired to visit Temple Newsam House in person and find out why it remains one of our city’s most popular visitor attractions.”